Schalke To File Protest Against Ex-Chelsea Striker Drogba Playing In Champions League

February 22, 2013

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba "is at the centre of claims that he isn't eligible to play in the Champions League," according to Mike Anstead of the London DAILY MAIL. The former Chelsea striker "made his return in the competition" in Galatasaray's 1-1 draw against Bundesliga club Schalke Wednesday night. It was the first time he has "played in the tournament since helping the Blues to victory in the final against Bayern Munich" in May. Drogba "is now facing claims that he should not have been allowed on the pitch to face the Germans" (DAILY MAIL, 2/21). The BBC's Stephen Fottrell reported Schalke has "lodged a protest" with UEFA over Drogba's participation. The club said on its official Twitter account: "There are doubts about the validity of the permission to play Drogba in the Champions League. Schalke 04 reserves its rights and is looking into this." UEFA confirmed it had received "a protest concerning Drogba's eligibility." UEFA said that "its disciplinary panel would investigate the matter but had not yet set a date" (BBC, 2/21).